MURPHY
Meeting on motion today
There will be a community meeting on the Murphy in Motion bicycle and pedestrian plan from 3-6 p.m. today at the Murphy Fire Department, 1 Firehouse Lane just off of Hiwassee Street.
Everyone is invited to drop in anytime to help shape the future of walking and biking in town. Share your ideas, concerns, and vision to make Murphy safer and more connected for everyone – plus you can win prizes, and Pop’s Big Cheese Wagon will be set up in the parking lot.
Details: Visit townofmurphync.com/administration/page/murphy-motion-community-input-meeting.
MURPHY
Rotary Club turning 120
The Rotary Club of Murphy invites the community to join in celebrating Rotary International’s 120th birthday with a family friendly game night at Pop’s Mountaintop Ice Cream Store, 1162 Andrews Road, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.
The evening promises fun for all ages with giant-size games including Connect 4, plus classic favorites like Candyland, Sorry, Memory and the ever-popular Cornhole. Pop’s will have pizza and ice cream for sale, a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. to commemorate Rotary International’s 120 years of “Service Above Self.”
In lieu of gifts, participants are encouraged to make a $10 donation to Rotary’s PolioPlus Foundation. Since 1985, Rotary International’s PolioPlus program has been at the forefront of the global effort to eradicate polio.
Working alongside partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9% worldwide, bringing us closer to ending this disease forever.
“This celebration not only marks a significant milestone for Rotary International but also provides an opportunity for our community to contribute to the vital mission of eradicating polio worldwide,” said Jacqueline Egli, president of the local club. “We invite everyone to join us for an evening of family fun while supporting this important cause.”
The Rotary Club of Murphy meets from noon-1 p.m. Mondays at Mariolino’s Italian Restaurant, 1164 U.S. 64, excluding bank holidays, and welcomes new members who wish to make a difference in their community and the world.
Details: Visit rotaryclubofmurphy.com.
MURPHY
Arts council gala Saturday
You’re invited to an unforgettable evening of art, music and community during the Starry Night Gala from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Cherokee County Arts Council, 33 Valley River Ave. downtown.
This elegant event marks the beginning of a journey for the Cherokee County Arts Council, as members launch a capital campaign to fund programming and secure a permanent home for the arts in the community. The goal is to raise $25,000.
Tickets are $35 for members, $50 for non-members. Enjoy an evening of:
- Live music and other performances.
- Art displays and live demonstrations.
- Exquisite dining and drinks.
- Silent auction featuring some unique pieces and experiences.
Details: Visit cherokeeartscouncil.org.
MURPHY
Benefit meal set for Mixons
Legends Steakhouse, 42 Tennessee St. downtown, is hosting a benefit dinner for the Mixon family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.
A percentage of sales will go directly to help with the family’s medical bills and any other needs they have during this time, as reported on the front page of the Cherokee Scout’s Feb. 12 edition.
“It’s times like these when our community can come together to make a difference,” Legends posted on social media. “We can all make an impact, and every little bit helps. Let’s show our love, prayers and support – we can’t out-give God.”
Entertainment will be provided by Bill Vespasian starting at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are appreciated,
Details: Visit murphylegendssteakhouse.com.
CANTON
Paper mill, state settle
Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Gov. Josh Stein have announced a settlement with Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the N.C. Department of Commerce, Town of Canton and Haywood County.
Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in financial restitution. The settlement also provides millions in additional value to Canton and Haywood County because Pactiv also agreed to stop legal efforts to get a refund of its 2023 and 2024 property tax payments and agreed to not bill Canton for operating costs at the wastewater treatment plant.
The settlement will conclude the Department of Justice’s litigation against Pactiv to repay millions in grant funds from the Department of Commerce. In 2023, Pactiv abruptly closed the paper mill it owned in Canton, which had been in operation for more than 100 years and employed more than 800 workers.
“Pactiv broke its promise to the state and the people of Canton, and today’s settlement holds it accountable for violating its agreement,” Jackson said in a release.
Details: Visit ncdoj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/JMAC-Settlement-Agreement-Fully-Executed.pdf.
FRANKLIN
Meeting set on broadband
County commissioners, school board members, county managers, superintendents, mayors, town boards members, community college and Western Carolina University leadership are getting together to meet with broadband and cell providers.
The meeting is set from 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 14, in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 366 Holly Springs Church Road.
Details: RSVP to state Sen. Kevin Corbin’s legislative assistant by email at cindy.hobbs@ncleg.gov or call 919-733-5875.
MURPHY
Congressional staff in town
The Carolina Cruiser – the mobile office of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) – will be at the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St. downtown, to meet with constituents from 4:15-5:45 p.m. today.
Correction
The article with the headline “Board OKs mergers of area schools” about school consolidation on page 1A in the Feb. 12 edition of the Cherokee Scout included a factual error. The article should have reported that a consolidated school would combine grades 6-12 from Martins Creek, along with Murphy and Peachtree. The Scout regrets the error.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
COMING SOON
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the town’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, in District 5 at the Hiwassee Dam Community Center, 7829 N.C. 294.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.